Former Student Featured in Nat Geo Documentary

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – A former Jefferson High School Student is part of a new movie from National Geographic Films that took home the audience award at Sundance and SXSW. Nine students from around the world are featured in “Science Fair,” a documentary tracking these students on their journey to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Among them is Jefferson High School graduate Robbie Barrat who was a two-time winner at the West Virginia State Science Fair.Barrat, who is currently at Stanford University in California, nearly failed out of his high school algebra class before getting involved in the science fair. He said he’s enjoyed seeing himself on screen, but hopes that the film sends a bigger message home to audiences.“I'm just so glad that I had this chance to spread such a positive message on the importance of science and mathematics, especially since it's a message that's deeply important to me,” he said in an email. “My main hope for the movie is that it encourages more people to get involved in science fairs -- science is more important than ever, especially in this political climate.”The deadline to sign up for the Jefferson County Science Fair at Jefferson High School is Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, although it varies from school to school according to Shane Price, the Jefferson High School science teacher who inspired Barrat to get involved.
“Mr. Price had a huge impact on me,” Barrat said. “During my senior year I was slacking off on getting my science fair project ready, and he really pushed me to get it together, and because of his encouragement I was able to go to ISEF again. Obviously I owe him a lot.”
Price hopes the film will get more people interested in taking part in the science fair. He said they have already pushed back the deadline to sign up due to increased interest stemming from the movie.Science Fair is currently streaming on Prime Video from Amazon and can be downloaded on Google PLay and iTunes.
Visit https://www.nationalgeographic.com/films/science-fair/ to learn more about the movie.